Trumpeting Elephant Figurine
Decorative sculpture • Unidentified artisan; likely African (Shona) or South Asian (Indian) origin
Style & Movement
Folk Art / Ethno-decorative
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved steatite (soapstone) or serpentine with inset calcite or quartz tusks; polished finish
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 4 to 6 inches in length; horizontal three-dimensional format
Subject Description
A stylized African elephant depicted in a dynamic 'trumpeting' pose with trunk raised. The piece features organic, rounded forms characteristic of soft stone carving, with exaggerated ears and tusks symbolizing power and wisdom. It serves as an emblematic animalier miniature common in global craft markets.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible breakage on the lower tusk and wear to the stone surface
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $50 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $40 USD (often sold as part of a lot)
Provenance History
Unknown; characteristic of tourist-market or import-trade decorative arts commonly sold through gift shops or international boutiques from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Minor significance as a masterwork; however, it represents the 20th-century trend of 'ethno-chic' decor and the global distribution of traditional stone-carving techniques adapted for commercial export markets.
Notable Features
The use of a bi-colored material strategy (brown mottled stone for the body and translucent white stone for the tusks) is a hallmark of regional craft workshops seeking to add naturalistic contrast.
Condition Issues
The lower white tusk element is fractured/missing its tip. There is notable surface scratching and minor chipping on the ears and feet consistent with handling and soft material properties.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean only with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth; avoid chemicals that could penetrate the porous stone. Structural repair of the tusk with a matching resin or stone fill could be performed but may exceed the object's value.